Associate Degree(w/ Pre-Reqs) or Pre-Reqs only? Please help.

[EdVegas]

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I recently started college. When i went to talk to a counselor and I told them my plan of doing the pre-reqs then applying to USN. I was told that the USN Pre-reqs are similar to what i need to get an Associate Degree in Science so i might as well work on getting a degree at the same time. But my question is should I take on more classes? Because I'm already supposed to take hard science classes like human anatomy & physiology, organic chem and microbiology. And I don't want to risk failing the pre-reqs for the sake of getting an associate degree. And I read in another post that in the USN Interview process an associate degree just gives you 1 point or something like that, maybe less.

 

[Passion4Sci]

I recently started college. When i went to talk to a counselor and I told them my plan of doing the pre-reqs then applying to USN. I was told that the USN Pre-reqs are similar to what i need to get an Associate Degree in Science so i might as well work on getting a degree at the same time. But my question is should I take on more classes? Because I'm already supposed to take hard science classes like human anatomy physiology. I don't want to risk failing the prereqs for the sake of getting an associate degree. And I read in another post that in the USN Interview process an associate degree just gives you 1 point or something like that, maybe less.

The AA/AS is worthless.

Do your pre-requisites and move on. Alternately, you can also do transfer requirements, and go somewhere for your 4 year degree, THEN go to pharmacy school. That might get you more "points", since you can prove to AdComs that you know how to perform in upper division coursework.

 

[EdVegas]

Yes I was thinking that too. Just do the pre-reqs and there. But now knowing how many people apply to USN. If I don't get in, I won't have anything to show for it.

 

[Passion4Sci]

Yes I was thinking that too. Just do the pre-reqs and there. But now knowing how many people apply to USN. If I don't get in, I won't have anything to show for it.

You'll have your transcript, and from there, you can still go to a 4 year school and finish a Bachelor's degree, or whatever.

But anyway: Why JUST USN?

 

[mandydp6]

I recently started college. When i went to talk to a counselor and I told them my plan of doing the pre-reqs then applying to USN. I was told that the USN Pre-reqs are similar to what i need to get an Associate Degree in Science so i might as well work on getting a degree at the same time. But my question is should I take on more classes? Because I'm already supposed to take hard science classes like human anatomy & physiology, organic chem and microbiology. And I don't want to risk failing the pre-reqs for the sake of getting an associate degree. And I read in another post that in the USN Interview process an associate degree just gives you 1 point or something like that, maybe less.

Just so you're aware, USN doesn't give any points for an associates. The only way you get extra "points" in their formula is if you have a Bachelor's in a physical or life science.

 

[bottlecap1990]

The AA/AS is worthless.

Do your pre-requisites and move on. Alternately, you can also do transfer requirements, and go somewhere for your 4 year degree, THEN go to pharmacy school. That might get you more "points", since you can prove to AdComs that you know how to perform in upper division coursework.

Are the AA/AS really worthless? I am actually in a dilemma of whether I should take calc based physics and upper level philosophy to get my A/S

The pharm schools I want to apply to don't require any of these courses.
Should I just finish all the prereqs and apply to some 4 year universities just in case I don't get accepted to any pharmacy schools? and work on my BA?

thank you.

 

[Passion4Sci]

Are the AA/AS really worthless? I am actually in a dilemma of whether I should take calc based physics and upper level philosophy to get my A/S

The pharm schools I want to apply to don't require any of these courses.
Should I just finish all the prereqs and apply to some 4 year universities just in case I don't get accepted to any pharmacy schools? and work on my BA?

thank you.

They're worthless.

No employer cares. No school cares. You don't need them to transfer, you don't need them to get a BA/BS, you don't need it to get into pharmacy school, you don't need it for a job, etc.

 

[musicman123]

Are the AA/AS really worthless? I am actually in a dilemma of whether I should take calc based physics and upper level philosophy to get my A/S

The pharm schools I want to apply to don't require any of these courses.
Should I just finish all the prereqs and apply to some 4 year universities just in case I don't get accepted to any pharmacy schools? and work on my BA?

thank you.

Yes, apply to 4-year universities and get a bachelors. Just for your info, PharmCAS considers the classes you take at a community college as lower division.

 

[bottlecap1990]

Yes, apply to 4-year universities and get a bachelors. Just for your info, PharmCAS considers the classes you take at a community college as lower division.

You guys don't think it is possible for me to get in straight from community college? I am planning to apply to a lot of schools by just completing their prerequisites. And maybe a few 4 year uni in case I don't get into any pharmacy schools.

 

[Passion4Sci]

You guys don't think it is possible for me to get in straight from community college? I am planning to apply to a lot of schools by just completing their prerequisites. And maybe a few 4 year uni in case I don't get into any pharmacy schools.

It's possible, but lower division only + a ~40th percentile PCAT and you're going to be screwed. But, if you're willing to apply to schools in places like North Dakota and Missouri then you'll probably get in somewhere.

can't hurt to apply, unless you're hurting for $.

 

[bottlecap1990]

It's possible, but lower division only + a ~40th percentile PCAT and you're going to be screwed. But, if you're willing to apply to schools in places like North Dakota and Missouri then you'll probably get in somewhere.

can't hurt to apply, unless you're hurting for $.

Im gonna try my best to get at LEAST a 60th percentile. These are schools im applying to
I am a new jersey resident (attending brookdale community college)


Rutgers
Albany NY and Vt
Long Island
St. John Fisher
Buffalo, maybe not
Lecom Eerie and Fl
Jefferson
Shenandoah
Uni of Washington
Uni of Charleston, maybe
Pacific, Oregon
Midwestern, Az
Appalachian, VA
Western, CA

any schools there that I shouldn't even think about applying with let say a 3.5 GPA (i have a 4.0 now but its gonna go down I think lol) and a 50-60% PCAT?

 

[musicman123]

Im gonna try my best to get at LEAST a 60th percentile. These are schools im applying to
I am a new jersey resident (attending brookdale community college)


Rutgers
Albany NY and Vt
Long Island
St. John Fisher
Buffalo, maybe not
Lecom Eerie and Fl
Jefferson
Shenandoah
Uni of Washington
Uni of Charleston, maybe
Pacific, Oregon
Midwestern, Az
Appalachian, VA
Western, CA

any schools there that I shouldn't even think about applying with let say a 3.5 GPA (i have a 4.0 now but its gonna go down I think lol) and a 50-60% PCAT?

I think UW would be out of the question unless you bring your PCAT up to at least 75 or 80. I suggest going for a bachelors not only because you will compete against most applicants who have a BA/BS, but you will also have the chance to take upper division classes not available at community colleges.

 

[bottlecap1990]

I think UW would be out of the question unless you bring your PCAT up to at least 75 or 80. I suggest going for a bachelors not only because you will compete against most applicants who have a BA/BS, but you will also have the chance to take upper division classes not available at community colleges.

So a Bachelor's degree is IMPERATIVE for non-traditional students?

🙁🙁

 

[musicman123]

So a Bachelor's degree is IMPERATIVE for non-traditional students?

🙁🙁

In a sense, yes. Almost all applicants will have or already have a Bachelors.

 

[Passion4Sci]

So a Bachelor's degree is IMPERATIVE for non-traditional students?

🙁🙁

Not an imperative, but it can't hurt. My interviewers were pleased about my experience with upper division coursework.

 

[bottlecap1990]

Not an imperative, but it can't hurt. My interviewers were pleased about my experience with upper division coursework.

Thanks for the advice.

So do you think I should even bother spending the money and work with no degree + coming from a Community college and apply? (2012 cycle)

 

[aboveliquidice]

They're worthless.

No employer cares. No school cares. You don't need them to transfer, you don't need them to get a BA/BS, you don't need it to get into pharmacy school, you don't need it for a job, etc.

Again - this is state specific... Some states afford you the ability to "easily" transition to a 4 yr university if you have an AA or AS from a community college. In those states, transfers w/o an AA or AS compete for seats against incoming freshmen (which is damn difficult proposition).

In such a state - an AA or AS is near necessary if you are starting at a community college.

If you are already at a 4yr university - there is no point in pursuing an associates degree. Instead, you should be pursuing your BA/BS while fulfilling your prereqs (as passion stated above).

Regardless - you should always have a "forward momentum" in your education. Never take an idle semester. You should always have a plan B or C ready, should plan A fall through.

 

[Passion4Sci]

Thanks for the advice.

So do you think I should even bother spending the money and work with no degree + coming from a Community college and apply? (2012 cycle)

It can't hurt to try it... but I don't know how your finances are (Pretty good though, I think I remember you saying you had $20,000 in the bank and you owned your own car, etc)... At the very least maybe you can get some salient help from admissions folks after the cycle is over, and who knows, maybe you'll get in. Write an amazing PS.

Again - this is state specific... Some states afford you the ability to "easily" transition to a 4 yr university if you have an AA or AS from a community college. In those states, transfers w/o an AA or AS compete for seats against incoming freshmen (which is damn difficult proposition).

Hard to imagine that more states aren't like California, but that's a fair point.

 

[bottlecap1990]

It can't hurt to try it... but I don't know how your finances are (Pretty good though, I think I remember you saying you had $20,000 in the bank and you owned your own car, etc)... At the very least maybe you can get some salient help from admissions folks after the cycle is over, and who knows, maybe you'll get in. Write an amazing PS.



Actually is only 10,000 LOL. I do have my own car but I am planning on keeping it in case i get in.

thank you. Mr passion for science. I like your avatar too

 

[aboveliquidice]

Im gonna try my best to get at LEAST a 60th percentile. These are schools im applying to
I am a new jersey resident (attending brookdale community college)


Rutgers
Albany NY and Vt
Long Island
St. John Fisher
Buffalo, maybe not
Lecom Eerie and Fl
Jefferson
Shenandoah
Uni of Washington
Uni of Charleston, maybe
Pacific, Oregon
Midwestern, Az
Appalachian, VA
Western, CA

any schools there that I shouldn't even think about applying with let say a 3.5 GPA (i have a 4.0 now but its gonna go down I think lol) and a 50-60% PCAT?

You need to bring up that PCAT... With enough education, 4.0, and a high PCAT, you will find most doors open to you.

 

[aboveliquidice]

Hard to imagine that more states aren't like California, but that's a fair point.

Most states are not like california... Which is the only state to not allow reciprocity??? My experience is coming from Florida, which has provisions put in place to move students from 2yr CC to 4yr universities.

In that regard, an AA is very useful.

Honestly, my goals was to get it done quickly... You and I both know what it is like to do college after years in the service. I will have been out just shy of 6 years when I go back in. Way too long of a road. If I could have done it quicker, I would have.

 

[bottlecap1990]

You need to bring up that PCAT... With enough education, 4.0, and a high PCAT, you will find most doors open to you.

Thanks. Will try my best.

 

[b1234]

Are the AA/AS really worthless? I am actually in a dilemma of whether I should take calc based physics and upper level philosophy to get my A/S

The pharm schools I want to apply to don't require any of these courses.
Should I just finish all the prereqs and apply to some 4 year universities just in case I don't get accepted to any pharmacy schools? and work on my BA?

thank you.

Other than a few very specific tech orientated associate's degrees, they normally mean nothing (well maybe if you have a GED and not a diploma then an associate's might matter...)

You guys don't think it is possible for me to get in straight from community college? I am planning to apply to a lot of schools by just completing their prerequisites. And maybe a few 4 year uni in case I don't get into any pharmacy schools.

It is possible to get in without a degree, but normally without a bachelor's you need some incredible stats and more to make your application really stand out.

It's possible, but lower division only + a ~40th percentile PCAT and you're going to be screwed. But, if you're willing to apply to schools in places like North Dakota and Missouri then you'll probably get in somewhere.

can't hurt to apply, unless you're hurting for $.

Only one pharmacy school that I can think of in ND, and NDSU and SDSU are both actually fairly competitive to get into.

Thanks for the advice.

So do you think I should even bother spending the money and work with no degree + coming from a Community college and apply? (2012 cycle)

probably not... keep in mind that if you apply for admissions and plan to only barely finish pre reqs before you matriculate, you will probably have difficulty scoring well on the PCAT because you won't have had classes that cover all the material on it prior to taking it.

 

[bottlecap1990]

Other than a few very specific tech orientated associate's degrees, they normally mean nothing (well maybe if you have a GED and not a diploma then an associate's might matter...)



It is possible to get in without a degree, but normally without a bachelor's you need some incredible stats and more to make your application really stand out.



Only one pharmacy school that I can think of in ND, and NDSU and SDSU are both actually fairly competitive to get into.



probably not... keep in mind that if you apply for admissions and plan to only barely finish pre reqs before you matriculate, you will probably have difficulty scoring well on the PCAT because you won't have had classes that cover all the material on it prior to taking it.

I will have Chem 1 and 2, Orgo 1 and 2, A&P I, Calc I, Bio 1 and 2, and Microbio done before taking the June 2011 PCAT. I am sure it is sufficient for me to get a good score.

I will have most of my prereqs done when I am applying. Maybe one semester of physics, Biochem, and electives.

 

[Filler]

Im gonna try my best to get at LEAST a 60th percentile. These are schools im applying to
I am a new jersey resident (attending brookdale community college)


Rutgers
Albany NY and Vt
Long Island
St. John Fisher
Buffalo, maybe not
Lecom Eerie and Fl
Jefferson
Shenandoah
Uni of Washington
Uni of Charleston, maybe
Pacific, Oregon
Midwestern, Az
Appalachian, VA
Western, CA
any schools there that I shouldn't even think about applying with let say a 3.5 GPA (i have a 4.0 now but its gonna go down I think lol) and a 50-60% PCAT?

Lol Uni of Wash? I wished I had applied there, Seattle seems like a great city. Anyway, where is the love for Temple, University of Maryland and Howard? Temple and Jefferson could be a great fit for you, especially if you live in Central Jersey, you might be able to commute to school and save $ on room/boarding fees if you can't get into Rutgers.

Schools I would be wary about...Appalachian, considering it is in the middle of no where.

 

[Project2015]

Are the AA/AS really worthless?

BA/BS is almost worthless, so...

So a Bachelor's degree is IMPERATIVE for non-traditional students?

I thought you were quite traditional?

My interviewers were pleased about my experience with upper division coursework.

I'm surprised because it's quite common in California. It's gotta be your double BS, one from Stanford no less, and the military background, no?

Most states are not like california... Which is the only state to not allow reciprocity??? My experience is coming from Florida, which has provisions put in place to move students from 2yr CC to 4yr universities.

I thought we did. There are agreements between CCC and UC/CSU.

 

[bottlecap1990]

Lol Uni of Wash? I wished I had applied there, Seattle seems like a great city. Anyway, where is the love for Temple, University of Maryland and Howard? Temple and Jefferson could be a great fit for you, especially if you live in Central Jersey, you might be able to commute to school and save $ on room/boarding fees if you can't get into Rutgers.

Schools I would be wary about...Appalachian, considering it is in the middle of no where.

LOL yes, I forgot to put in temple and maryland. I will be applying to both schools.

 

[Passion4Sci]

I'm surprised because it's quite common in California. It's gotta be your double BS, one from Stanford no less, and the military background, no?

I suppose, either that or my particular cohort in interviews were lacking in bachelor's degrees. UoP is one of the schools in CA which has a higher percentage of admits/interviews sans bachelor's degrees.

It very well could have also been military + 4 year degrees, because a vet with any undergraduate degree at all is very unusual.

 

[pharm B]

Are the AA/AS really worthless? I am actually in a dilemma of whether I should take calc based physics and upper level philosophy to get my A/S

The pharm schools I want to apply to don't require any of these courses.
Should I just finish all the prereqs and apply to some 4 year universities just in case I don't get accepted to any pharmacy schools? and work on my BA?

thank you.

The AA/AS isn't necessarily worthless. It's just dependent on your situation. If you don't make it into pharmacy school during your first application cycle (after doing just 2 years of college for some people), you might decide to finish up a bachelors. Every state is different, but many of them have transfer agreements set up that allow for a more full transfer of credit from CC to Uni if you completed your AA or AS vice just taking a bunch of classes at the CC.

Edit: Okay, so this was pretty much said above. But it's a good point!

 

[nicolemsm]

Rutgers
Albany NY and Vt
Long Island
St. John Fisher
Buffalo, maybe not
Lecom Eerie and Fl
Jefferson
Shenandoah
Uni of Washington
Uni of Charleston, maybe
Pacific, Oregon
Midwestern, Az
Appalachian, VA
Western, CA

(also Temple and Maryland from another post)

Rutgers and Buffalo will be tough to apply to w/out a degree. So will UWash. Check out the pre-reqs for UWash because now they require biochemistry, which you'd more than likely take at a 4 yr.

In addition, read around the forums about LECOM... then draw your own conclusions from what you read...
Also I think a Shenandoah is a candidate school? IDR but i'd avoid any school who is pre-candidate/candidate status. Also, Midwestern in AZ (coming from an AZ resident) is not highly regarded in terms of pharmacy. Coming from New Jersey, you will probably have not only culture shock, but heat stroke... Not too sure if you'd mind 120 degree weather haha. And Temple has weird pre-reqs- check them out pharmcas.

Nevertheless good luck.

 

[rxlea]

LMFAO Nicole @ heat stroke. I was an idiot today trying to pack up stuff in my garage (despite whateverthehell is going on physically for me right now). Five minutes in there was enough to make me want to pass out- and it was even cloudy and cooler today. I wonder what all these Minnesotans I see here think of the 115 degree heat. Did we even hit 118 this year? If we didn't, it was a mild summer 🙂

 

[nicolemsm]

LMFAO Nicole @ heat stroke. I was an idiot today trying to pack up stuff in my garage (despite whateverthehell is going on physically for me right now). Five minutes in there was enough to make me want to pass out- and it was even cloudy and cooler today. I wonder what all these Minnesotans I see here think of the 115 degree heat. Did we even hit 118 this year? If we didn't, it was a mild summer 🙂

I'd say the 80 degree weather in addition to the humidity equated to 130 degree weather today, wouldnt you agree?

I almost passed out just walking to my car 😱

 

[rxlea]

Associates degrees aren't completely useless depending on what you are going for. However, in the case of applying to pharmacy school, I would say that it is better to transfer to a 4 year school to get a BA/BS. The major doesn't matter as much as your performance so pick whatever major incorporates your interests (for me, that was psych and I don't regret it despite the fact that my psych degree is less useful than a roll of toilet paper). I think adcoms like to see students who complete what they set out to do. Completing a degree shows commitment to your goals. I would go that route instead of just taking a bunch of random classes to boost your GPA or whatever. And, I'm not sure what your reasons are for wanting to attend USN, but you might want to consider casting a wider net.

 

[bottlecap1990]

Rutgers and Buffalo will be tough to apply to w/out a degree. So will UWash. Check out the pre-reqs for UWash because now they require biochemistry, which you'd more than likely take at a 4 yr.

In addition, read around the forums about LECOM... then draw your own conclusions from what you read...
Also I think a Shenandoah is a candidate school? IDR but i'd avoid any school who is pre-candidate/candidate status. Also, Midwestern in AZ (coming from an AZ resident) is not highly regarded in terms of pharmacy. Coming from New Jersey, you will probably have not only culture shock, but heat stroke... Not too sure if you'd mind 120 degree weather haha. And Temple has weird pre-reqs- check them out pharmcas.

Nevertheless good luck.

I think I am still gonna try Uni of Washington and Buffalo. They both require biochemistry. (My community college offer the course)

What's wrong with LECOM? I haven't gone around and read the forum about it but some people have told me "You don't want to go there"
WHY?

 

[b1234]

I think I am still gonna try Uni of Washington and Buffalo. They both require biochemistry. (My community college offer the course)

What's wrong with LECOM? I haven't gone around and read the forum about it but some people have told me "You don't want to go there"
WHY?

Check with the school and make sure the biochem you take counts. At many schools there are upper level biochem classes and lower level ones. Many schools probably won't accept the lower level ones and most cc's don't have upper level classes.